Imaging Station Repeatable Alignment for Skin Cancer Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for skin cancer detection lack an objective and reliable method for precise and repeatable image alignment and comparison, making it difficult to accurately track changes in skin features over time.
Innovation Solution
An imaging station with a rotatable stage and monostand, equipped with position-indicating elements and a high-resolution camera, allows for precise and repeatable alignment of images by recording and reproducing the camera and stage positions for each body pose, enabling accurate comparison of skin features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual handwritten tracking methods are used for skin cancer screening, then the method is simple and easy to operate, but the alignment precision and repeatability of images are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handwritten tracking methods with an automated imaging station that uses a camera, rotatable stage, and computer-controlled positioning system. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical and computational systems resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through repeatable camera positioning and image alignment algorithms while managing device complexity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging station incorporates self-aligning features through the rotatable stage and computer-controlled camera positioning that automatically return to predetermined positions. The system performs self-calibration and repeatable positioning without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving high alignment precision while keeping the operational complexity manageable through automation.
2Reliability
If images are taken at different times without precise positioning, then the imaging process is flexible and easy to operate, but the repeatability of image alignment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a predetermined camera position and stage orientation before imaging begins. The rotatable stage is positioned at specific angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and the camera is positioned at predetermined distances and angles. This pre-positioning ensures that subsequent images taken at different times can be reliably aligned and compared, achieving high repeatability while maintaining ease of operation through automated position recall.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging station incorporates feedback mechanisms through computer-controlled positioning systems that track and record camera and stage positions. The system uses feedback from position sensors and image alignment algorithms to ensure repeatable positioning, automatically adjusting for any deviations. This feedback loop maintains high alignment repeatability while simplifying operation through automated control.
3Measurement precision
If skin features are imaged for comparison over time, then early detection capability is improved, but the difficulty of aligning and comparing images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational dimensionality through the rotatable stage, allowing images to be captured at multiple angular orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). This dimensional approach enables comprehensive mapping of skin features across different body positions and facilitates more accurate alignment and comparison by providing multiple reference points and perspectives, thereby improving measurement precision while managing alignment complexity through systematic angular sampling.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Embodiments of an imaging station and method for repeatable alignment of images are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the imaging station includes a rotatable stage and a monostand. The rotatable stage may include a structure to support sets of handles for positioning of a subject's hands for at least some of the body poses. A camera is positioned on the monostand for capturing images of the subject and is configured to allow the camera to be repeatably positioned with respect to the rotatable stage for each body pose.